Zagreb isn’t one of those cities that shows off immediately. It doesn’t have towering skyscrapers that pierce the sky or a coast where the sea gently touches the shore, but once you give it a chance, it reveals a soul that can capture you in the most unexpected ways.

Every time we come home, it surprises us with a new, hidden detail that reminds us why we love it. And honestly, it’s not just about history and architecture—it’s the people, the streets, and the hidden stories you can feel in every corner.

cathedral, architecture, church
Photo by mtomicphotography on Pixabay
city, cityscape, architecture
Photo by strgars on Pixabay

Gornji Grad – A Walk Through History

Gornji Grad, or the Upper Town, is the heart of old Zagreb, where history literally lives among the walls. The climb towards Kamenita Vrata takes you through cobblestone streets, and once you pass through the gate, you feel a quiet peace, as if you’ve stepped into a parallel world.

Booking.com

The Kamenita Vrata, which survived the great fire of 1731, houses a small chapel with an image of the Virgin Mary, now a symbol of the city’s protection. Nearby, you can almost hear whispers of history as well as life—residents pass by, and tourists click their cameras, trying to capture the mystical atmosphere.

a clock on a building
Photo by Antoine Schibler on Unsplash
close-up of brown wooden bench
Photo by David Boca on Unsplash
gray metal window
Photo by Anthony Rosset on Unsplash

St. Mark’s Square – A Symbol of History and Identity

St. Mark’s Square, with its iconic colorful roof, is the perfect place to snap one of those Instagram-worthy photos. Who could resist the vivid tiles that depict the historical coats of arms of Croatia, Dalmatia, Slavonia, and the city of Zagreb itself? But the best part is that it’s not just about appearances—you feel like the city is telling you a story. From political shifts to weddings at the church, every stone in this square could tell its own adventure.

a person standing in front of a white building with a red roof
Photo by martin bennie on Unsplash

Tkalčićeva Street – The City’s Pulse on the Pavement

If you’re looking for a more modern vibe, Tkalčićeva Street won’t disappoint. This is where Zagreb shows off its relaxed, urban side. It’s not just a street—it’s a world of its own. From cafes competing for the best coffee to restaurants wafting scents of traditional food, to street artists turning the pavement into canvases—Tkalča, as locals call it, is a place where everyone finds their space.

Booking.com

You can get lost in colorful shop windows, feel the city’s rhythm through a coffee chat, or stumble upon a small gallery you didn’t know existed.

a street with tables and chairs along it
Photo by Caz Hayek on Unsplash
a sign on a stone wall
Photo by Caz Hayek on Unsplash

Museum of Broken Relationships – Emotions Turned Into Art

Zagreb has that unexpected factor, and one place that best represents this is the Museum of Broken Relationships. How many times have you walked by a museum and thought, “Oh, just another history exhibit,” or “Maybe next time”? Not here. Here, the story begins the moment you step inside.

Every object in this museum carries an emotional narrative—whether it’s a love letter, a toy, or an old mobile phone. Each of these items is a drop in the ocean of love’s shipwrecks, and as you walk through the exhibit, you might find yourself laughing, crying, or simply empathizing with strangers who left a piece of themselves in these objects. The museum proves that art isn’t just a painting on a wall—it can be emotion, memory, and heartache.

black and white gazebo surrounded with tall and orange trees
Photo by Kristijan Arsov on Unsplash

Maksimir Park – A Green Oasis in the Heart of the City

But Zagreb isn’t just history and emotion—it’s also a city of parks. Maksimir Park is the oldest public park in Southeast Europe and the perfect place to escape. As soon as you step inside, the city’s hustle and bustle seems to disappear. Birds sing, paths stretch out before you, and lakes quietly reflect the blue sky. You could spend hours here, walking without a care, or lying on the grass with a book in hand. Maksimir isn’t just a park—it’s a place where locals come for peace, inspiration, and a moment to pause from everyday life.

people walking in forest during daytime
Photo by Darko Pribeg on Unsplash
a couple of stone benches sitting next to a lake
Photo by Kristina Kutleša on Unsplash
a large white house sitting on top of a lush green field
Photo by Kristina Kutleša on Unsplash
a street lined with lots of trees next to a lush green park
Photo by Kristina Kutleša on Unsplash

Dolac – A Market That Smells Like Tradition

Of course, we can’t forget Dolac, the city’s main market. If you want to taste the real Zagreb, you have to visit. The vibrant market is filled with local produce, fresh fruits and vegetables, and traditional goods like cheese and honey. But Dolac isn’t just for those looking to shop—you come here for the atmosphere. Vendors loudly advertise their goods, older citizens sit at cafes discussing the news, and the smell of local delicacies entices you to try something new.

a group of people walking down a street next to tall buildings
Photo by Tobias Kaiser on Unsplash

Advent in Zagreb – Winter With a Special Glow

And finally, there’s something magical about winter in Zagreb. When the snow covers the streets and lights illuminate the city, Zagreb turns into a real-life fairy tale. Advent in Zagreb has been rightfully voted one of the best in Europe—the whole city comes alive, and every street becomes part of the Christmas magic, from the ice skating rink on Tomislav Square to the aroma of mulled wine and fritule drifting from the many festive stalls.

a blue trolley with a red top on a city street
Photo by Omar Tursić on Unsplash

Zagreb may not have the sea, but it has a soul. It doesn’t rush to win you over at first glance, but once you give it a chance, it shows you that it’s more than just a passing destination. It’s a city that draws you in with its charm, always inviting you to come back. And every time you return, there’s a new story waiting.

white concrete building during daytime
Photo by jerome laval on Unsplash
beige and white concrete building
Photo by Kristijan Arsov on Unsplash
a building with statues on the front
Photo by Antoine Schibler on Unsplash
cathedral, architecture, church
Photo by mtomicphotography on Pixabay

🕶 Relax!

Put your feet up and let us do the hard work for you. Sign up to receive latest travel deals and stories directly in your inbox!

We’ll never send you spam or share your email address.
Find out more in our Privacy Policy.